2012 Olympic Interpreters: Live Updates from London

Live Updates: 2012 London Olympics

Follow live updates from our five interpretation students who are interpreting the 2012 London Olympic Games.

August 3, 2012

I’m working at the Wembley Arena for badminton and rhythmic gymnastics. So far, I have had the chance to interpret for the OBS (Olympic Broadcasting Services) when interviewing the Korean badminton team after the winning matches and also for the flash quotes in the mixed zone. The highlights of my experience include: attending the dress rehearsal of the opening ceremony (watching the spectacle before the rest of the world!), seeing Princess Anne just steps away from me, and meeting star badminton players from Korea, in person!. -Charmy Park (left), Korean Interpreter

August 1, 2012

Today I interpreted for the third time here. I started in the Mixed Zone where journalists get "flash quotes" from players, providing around twelve or fifteen quotes, and then went to the press center and interpreted the end of a question and response session with the Russian women's basketball coach. The quotes were all given to the Games' official press service. Besides interpreting, in the last few days I have also been excited to come within five feet of at least seven heads of state from countries around the world and numerous other important figures. The most exciting for me was getting to see our First Lady as she passed me in the hall. -Max Falaleyev (left), Russian Interpreter

July 29, 2012

Yesterday was my first day working, and I saw two of the three games that happened during my shift. Today I start right after the U.S. men's team plays and get to see the Russia game and maybe interpret. I also got on camera yesterday briefly at the very beginning of the Great Britain vs. Australia game when the women ran out onto the court. -Max Falaleyev, Russian Interpreter

July 27, 2012

I'm interpreting between Spanish and English at Horse Guards Parade for the Beach Volleyball Competition. My first shift starts at 7:00am tomorrow morning. I am so excited! -Lauren Ames (left, at dress rehearsal), Spanish Interpreter

July 18, 2012

How do you prepare to interpret between Russian and English at the Olympics in London? You start by reading over 1,000 pages of game rules for basketball and handball. -Max Falaleyev, Russian Interpreter